Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation. The energy efficiency grants, new funding for Brownsfields redevelopment, and Energy Department Loan guarantees to develop on-site alternative energy sources will especially benefit commercial real estate. ”

The Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show is at the Convention Center, downtown Pittsburgh on February 27 to March 8, 2009. This is the largest Home show in Pennsylvania. There will be over 1500 vendors featuring home and garden products. You will be able to see fully furnished model homes, attend seminars on home improvement, get great home decorating ideas and even see sample model kitchens and bathrooms.

Believe it or not there will also be 9 acres of landscaping including exhibits of with gardens and patios. You will see a wide variety of things like decks, sun rooms, furniture and pools. Check out the kitchen section where you will see cabinets, appliances, fixtures, specialty food products and more!

The president my company, Century 21,Â Tom Kunz,Â sent out a letter summarizing the great benefits for this new first-time buyer credit.Â Please see below an explanation that may be easier to understand but remember to always consult a tax or legal professional to see how it is truly going to help you financially.

“As you may have heard, significant improvements in the temporary First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit were signed into law on Feb. 17 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide a housing stimulus for first-time home purchases that occur between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2009.

This is even better news for first-time homebuyers than the tax credit announced in April 2008 because not only has the tax credit maximum increased from $7,500 to $8,000 â€“ but more significantly â€“ it does not need to be repaid unless the individual re-sells the home within three years.

There are several notable points about this federal income tax credit that I have bulleted for your convenience.Â They are:

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Credit maximum was increased from $7,500 to $8,000. The credit is calculated as 10% of the purchase price. Example: If the purchase price is $70,000, the credit is $7,000.

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Removed the repayment requirement, provided the homebuyer does not resell the home for three years.

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Eligibility remains for first-time homebuyers only. In this case, a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual who has not owned a primary home at any time during the three years prior to purchase, but who may have done so prior to that time. Although certain income limits do apply, the amount of the credit is the same for all taxpayers, married or single.

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To be eligible for the full tax credit, the homebuyer can have an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). A homebuyer with an annual adjusted gross income above that level and up to $95,000 ($170,000 on a joint return) is eligible for a reduced tax credit.

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The tax credit can be claimed on oneâ€™s individual or joint tax return for the purchase of any single-family home between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009. It can be claimed on a 2008 tax return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 tax return, or a 2009 tax return. Individuals should consult a professional tax advisor for exact tax calculations and timing.”

Here is an outline to help you better see how this benefit will work.Â View the Consumer Guide chart and see the explanation ofÂ these important points.Â Â The National Association of RealtorsÂ® has created a Major Modifications Chart.

Again pleaseÂ note that Real Estate Agents are not a tax or legal professionals, so as a home buyer you should consult you own advisors.

A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to see some unique scenery created by the winter weather. In downtown Leechburg, PA, near where my office is located, we spotted some interesting ice formations in the Kiski River.Â We saw huge pieces of ice all jammed together.Â Some large pieces even sticking straight up and refrozen.

Leechburg is connected to Hyde Park by a nearby walking bridge so that was a great place to get a view. The day was warm enough to sneak out with out a coat and be semi comfortable as the ice in the river started to break up.Â I was delighted with the wonderfulÂ photographic opportunity. So my family and I walked on out to get some cool shots. It was a tricky to get shots when you were not standing near one of the bridge supports because the bridge did sway.Â It was really hard to get an idea of how large the pieces were because, it was not possible to go pose near any of them. I never thought to look at the river this time of year.

The newly signed stimulus bill has good news if you purchase a home this year. You will now receive an $8,000 credit and you will not have to pay it back. If there is ever a time to buy a home, it is now. Here is a handy chart that gives you all the benefits to purchase a new home this year:

“Got a quick realty question for you for my wife, please, if you don’t mind. Looking to put our house on market soon. Living room with open floor plan has a red wall (tomato red, 8ft wide x 12 ft high), behind seating area that’s only visible when walking through or dining. Every other wall is pale yellow. Would you recommend painting the red wall before showing (go to a mocha color), or leave it and hope the buyers go for it?

Thanks! -Tom”

Here is my response:

Hi Tom!

Red is a great color for an accent wall but not for selling a home. Neutral tones are the best. So a Mocha sounds great. You want the buyer to be able to picture living in your home with their own things and feeling comfortable and cozy. Using neutral colors you have more of a chance at doing that. You can blend more furnishings with neutral tones rather than the red or other accent color. Yes, I would say paint before you show.

Remember the first 30 days are the most critical. In most cases you will have the most buyers come through in the first thirty days being of having your home on the market.

Get ready for spring with this cozy two bedroom ranch home that has many updates: New roof, siding, deck with awning, and includes appliances. There is a large basement and plumbing for another bath. You will love the over-sized yard which is great for picnic fun. Some finishing touches need completed Also includes a HSA Home Warranty. Call today to view!

I received notification today from the National Association of Realtor’s about a new weekly radio program called Real Estate Today. Â It will be available on the Internet and regular radio. This will be a source of information on the real estate market.

You can tune in to the first radio show of Real Estate Today the weekend of February 14-15.Â Â “This radio show will show you, the consumer, why REALTORSÂ® are the most credible, trusted source of real estate information, and show you why using a REALTORÂ® when buying, selling, or investing in real estate is the smartest decision you can make.”